Different Techniques for Painting Frames

Frames can be as unique as the treasures they hold.

Frames embrace treasures of many types. Photos, artwork, and keepsakes are just some of the many possibilities. Through color, texture and detail, a frame can lend its own distinctive note to the display.

Drag

Use straight or curved drag lines to capture wood's distinct character.

Imitate rich grains of wood by using clever brush strokes and careful timing. Paint the frame with a latex base coat in a color of your choice and allow it to dry. Add a second coat of paint in a deeper shade. Before the second coat dries, drag a paint brush through it to create a wood- grain appearance.

Sponge

Use a sponge's unique prints for decorative painting.

Soften a frame by sponging one color over another. Apply a base coat of latex paint. After it dries, dip a sponge into second color of paint. Remove the excess onto a scrap of paper. Make light sponge prints on the frame to create texture.

Stipple

Choose one or several colors to stipple texture onto a frame.

Create a finely textured finish for your frame with a stippling brush. Use latex paint for a base coat and allow it to dry thoroughly. Dip a stippling brush into darker acrylic paint. Dab excess paint onto scrap paper then lightly stipple the entire frame.

Distress

Distressed wood gives the impression of a well-worn and well-loved item.

Achieve a rustic look to your frame using wax and two colors of paint. Cover the frame with two base coats of latex paint, drying after each coat. Take a cloth and smooth wax polish over the surface. Use a darker color of latex for the third coat of paint. When dry, rub the frame with sandpaper to reveal patches of lighter color underneath giving the frame an overall worn appearance.

Marble

Enjoy the look of marble without the expense.

The elegance of marble may be imitated by painting with a feather. Apply a layer of white eggshell paint and leave it to dry completely. Mix two complimentary colors of oil paint and thin with a bit of turpentine and linseed oil.
With a brush, paint the oil mix onto the frame and remove excess with a rag. Dip a feather into the oil mix and paint marble lines onto the frame. While still damp, soften the lines and blend using a brush.

Crackle

Crackled finishes lend an antique feel to a frame.

A frame can take on an aged appearance using a special varnish or glaze. Paint the frame with latex paint and allow it to dry. Brush on one coat of antique varnish and leave it to dry. Next, apply the crackle varnish and wait for the cracks to appear. Use a cloth to rub dark oil paint into the cracks and let it dry for 10 minutes. Seal the finish with a second coat of antique varnish.

References

• "Fanciful Frames: Over 50 Inspired Ideas for Creating and Embellishing Your Own Frames"; Juliet Bawden; 1995

Resources

• "Creative Matting and Framing"; Trice Boerens; 2003